Showtime has axed its epic drama series “King Shaka,” about the founder of the Zulu Empire, which is being executive produced by Antoine Fuqua and starring Charles Babalola (BBC’s “The Outlaws”).
The project hails from writers Olu Odebunmi and Tolu Awosika and tells the story of Shaka (Babalola), a master strategist who revolutionised warfare.
He united multiple tribes across vast stretches of southern Africa in the early 19th century to transform his power into legend and on par with history’s most seminal figures.
The cancellation came down as the show was wrapping production in South Africa. Most of the filming, including the final episode, had been completed with just twelve days of shooting left.
It was one of Showtime’s largest productions, a $90 million sprawling tale and a longtime passion project for Fuqua. The project boasted a large cast and elaborate battle scenes and starred Charmaine Bingwa, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe, Aïssa Maïga, Thando Dlomo, Tony Kgoroge, Sindi Dlatu and Bahle Hadebe.
It marks the latest new series cancelled at the network before it has aired due to a programming overhaul at Showtime as it merges with the Paramount+ service. The new regime is re-evaluating Showtime’s development and production slate.
CBS Studios is said to be exploring other options for the series.
Source: Deadline
